JP2009502395A - Ultrasound monitoring and feedback for magnetic hyperthermia - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and system for magnetic thermotherapy control using ultrasonic thermometry, the method comprising: collecting a reference set of ultrasound data corresponding to the tissue of interest (121); 121) adding a plurality of magnetic nanoparticles (210); applying an electromagnetic field based on a set of operating parameters to initiate hyperthermia; ultrasound corresponding to the tissue of interest (121) Collecting another set of data; determining temperature changes based on the reference set of ultrasound data and the another set of ultrasound data.

Description

  The present disclosure is directed to a methodology and system for monitoring and controlling magnetic hyperthermia using ultrasonic measurement techniques.

  Hyperthermia is an ancient treatment that has been practiced since ancient Greece. Hyperthermia is a method of completely heating a malignant tumor, tissue, etc., preferably killing the malignant tumor without damaging adjacent non-cancerous cells.

Magnetic hyperthermia is a method in which magnetic fine particles (nanoparticles) such as magnetite (Fe ₃ O ₄ ) are used as internal heating elements, and the magnetic fine particles are heated by a time-varying magnetic field. Furthermore, magnetic magnetite is used as magnetic fine particles to increase the therapeutic effect and uniformly heat the malignant tumor tissue. It contains targeted magnetite particles prepared by coating magnetic material with a film that has exceptional affinity for the surface of malignant tumor cells. These particles can be targeted to specific molecular biomarkers of pathology using antibody-receptor interactions or by ionic charge.

  The heating is due to magnetic hysteresis loss or friction loss. Such heating may be due to hyperthermia to kill cancer cells or excise tissue by inducing coagulative necrosis or by increasing the sensitivity of cells to further treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Can be used.

Heating or increasing the temperature in a tissue due to magnetic hysteresis loss is a complicated process that depends on a number of factors including applied magnetic fields, spatial changes in the tissue, the number of nanoparticles and the magnetic Includes properties, tissue heat attributes and blood perfusion. In order for thermotherapy to be effective, a thermal dosage equivalent cell exposure time must be achieved. Typically, thermotherapy with a low drop corresponds to a cumulative equivalent time t ₄₃ <50 minutes at 43 ° C., and a high drop or necrosis drop corresponds to t ₄₃ > 50-100 minutes. Unfortunately, many of the biophysical parameters are very variable and change in response to hyperthermia (especially thermal convection due to blood flow), thus increasing temperature, corresponding heat dose and spread of tumor destruction and / or tissue damage There is no reliable and established means to predict a priori. Temperature measurements using thermocouples are invasive and should therefore be avoided for in vivo situations. Magnetic resonance thermometry is expensive, and AC electromagnetic fields to induce hyperthermia can affect the imaging procedure, and more importantly, the imaging magnetic field from MRI has a profound impact on thermotherapy. End up.

  Another problem associated with magnetic hyperthermia is that targeting a specific site can take several minutes or more depending on the targeting agent, local pathology and blood flow conditions. is there. It is difficult to predict whether a target has been sufficiently targeted at a particular point in time, and thus whether enough magnetic particles have accumulated at the intended site to achieve the desired thermotherapy. Therefore, the appropriate time to start the magnetic field is not well known in advance. Furthermore, the amplitude and treatment time need to be controlled to reach an appropriate heat drop (desired tissue heating / treatment) in the targeted area. Therefore, there is a need to monitor the thermotherapy thermal pattern, preferably using another non-invasive imaging modality. In addition, the magnetic power should be adjusted using spatiotemporal measurements to facilitate thermotherapy dosing.

  In accordance with an exemplary implementation of the present invention, a method of magnetic hyperthermia control using ultrasonic temperature measurement is disclosed herein. The method includes: collecting a reference set of ultrasound data corresponding to a tissue of interest; adding a plurality of magnetic nanoparticles to the tissue of interest; a set of operating parameters for initiating thermotherapy Applying an electromagnetic field based on; collecting another set of ultrasound data corresponding to the tissue of interest; the reference set of ultrasound data; and the other set of ultrasound data; And determining a temperature change based on.

  In another embodiment, in another embodiment, a system for magnetic thermotherapy control using ultrasonic temperature measurement is disclosed. The system includes: a plurality of magnetic nanoparticles substantially disposed in a tissue of interest; an ultrasound system configured to provide at least temperature measurement data corresponding to the tissue of interest; and a set of operating parameters A magnetic thermotherapy system configured to apply a corresponding electromagnetic field to the tissue of interest; and at least the temperature measurement in communication with the ultrasound system and the magnetic thermotherapy system and corresponding to the tissue of interest And a controller configured to generate a command to the magnetic thermotherapy system to apply the electromagnetic field based on data.

  Furthermore, in this example, in another exemplary embodiment, a system for magnetic thermotherapy control using ultrasonic temperature measurement is disclosed. The system includes: means for collecting a reference set of ultrasound data corresponding to the tissue of interest; means for adding a plurality of magnetic nanoparticles to the tissue of interest; a set of operating parameters for initiating thermotherapy Means for applying an electromagnetic field based on: means for collecting another set of ultrasound data corresponding to the tissue of interest; the reference set of ultrasound data; and the other set of ultrasound data; And a means for determining a temperature change based on.

  Also in this paper, in yet another exemplary embodiment, an encoded storage of machine readable computer program code including instructions that cause a computer to implement the above-described method of magnetic thermotherapy control using ultrasonic temperature measurement. A medium is disclosed.

  Further disclosed herein is a computer data signal having instructions that, in another exemplary embodiment, cause a computer to implement the above-described method of magnetic thermotherapy control using ultrasonic temperature measurement.

  In another embodiment, a method of magnetic hyperthermia using ultrasound imaging is disclosed. The method includes: embedding a plurality of magnetic nanoparticles inside or on a plurality of microbubbles of a contrast agent, adding the plurality of magnetic nanoparticles to a tissue of interest, and obtaining ultrasound data corresponding to the tissue of interest. Collecting and applying an electromagnetic field to initiate hyperthermia.

  In yet another embodiment of the invention, a system for magnetic hyperthermia using ultrasound imaging is disclosed. The system includes: a plurality of magnetic nanoparticles embedded within or on a plurality of microbubbles of contrast agent; an ultrasound imaging system configured to provide imaging data corresponding to the tissue of interest; And a magnetic hyperthermia system configured to apply an electromagnetic field to certain tissue.

  Additional features, functions and advantages associated with the disclosed methodologies will become apparent with reference to the following detailed description, particularly when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

  To assist one of ordinary skill in making and using the disclosed embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals have been given like reference numerals.

  As described herein in one or more exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure advantageously provides magnetic hyperthermia treatments, particularly temperature distributions and associated cumulative thermal doses in affected tissues. to allow and facilitate methods and apparatus for monitoring dose) on an ultrasound basis. It is well known that ultrasound affects ultrasound attributes of mammalian tissues, including but not limited to sound velocity, attenuation, and frequency dependent wave scattering coefficients. In an exemplary embodiment, this temperature dependence is utilized to generate a 2D / 3D spatial map of tissue temperature rise. More specifically, a 2D / 3D spatial map can be calculated corresponding to the heating induced by the application of a magnetic field resulting from magnetic hyperthermia. In addition, the calculated temperature profile and the received heat drop are then fed back to the magnetic system to adjust the exposure time, intensity, frequency and spatial position of the AC magnetic field and the injected bolus drop (Dosage) and used to give compositional changes.

  FIG. 1 depicts an ultrasound measurement and imaging system that can see tissue and contrast agents that may be adapted and used with certain exemplary embodiments. In this regard, the ultrasound imaging system 100 includes a transducer 102, an RF switch 104, a transmitter 106, a system controller 108, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 110, a time gain control amplifier 112, a beamformer 114, a filter 116, There may be a signal processor 118, a video processor 120 and a display 122. The transducer 102 can be electrically coupled to the RF switch 104. RF switch 104 may be configured with a transmit input coupled from transmitter 106 and a transducer port electrically coupled to transducer 102 as shown. The output of the RF switch 104 can be electrically coupled to the ADC 110 and then subjected to processing by the time gain control amplifier 112. Time gain control amplifier 112 may be coupled to beamformer 114. The beamformer 114 can be coupled to the filter 116. Filter 116 is further coupled to signal processor 118, which may further lead to further processing in video processor 120. Video processor 120 may be configured to provide an input signal to display 122. System controller 108 may be coupled to transmitter 106, ADC 110, filter 116 and both signal processor 118 and video processor 120. This is because a necessary timing signal is given to each of the various devices.

  As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the system controller 108 and other processors, such as the video processor 120 and the signal processor 118, may be one or more in order to coordinate the overall operation of the ultrasound imaging system 100. It may include multiple processors, computers and other hardware and software components. The RF switch 104 isolates the transmitter 106 of the ultrasound imaging system 100 from the ultrasound response reception and processing unit consisting of the remaining elements shown in FIG.

  The system architecture shown in FIG. 1 provides an electronic transmission signal that is generated within transmitter 106. The transmitted signal is converted into one or more ultrasonic pressure waves, illustrated here by ultrasonic lines 115. When the ultrasound line 115 encounters a tissue layer 113 that is susceptible to ultrasound irradiation, multiple transmission events or ultrasound lines 115 penetrate the tissue 113. As long as the size of the plurality of ultrasound rays 115 exceeds the attenuation effect of the tissue 113, the plurality of ultrasound rays 115 reaches the internal target or the tissue 121 of interest. The internal target or tissue of interest 121 is hereinafter referred to as the tissue of interest. One skilled in the art will recognize that tissue boundaries or intersections between tissues with different ultrasonic impedances develop an ultrasonic response at harmonics of the fundamental frequency of the plurality of ultrasonic lines 115.

  As further shown in FIG. 1, such a harmonic response can be depicted by the ultrasonic reflection 117. Ultrasonic reflections 117 that exceed the attenuation effect from the transverse tissue layer 113 can be monitored and converted to electrical signals by the combination of the RF switch 104 and the transducer 102. An electrical representation of the ultrasonic reflection 117 can be received at the ADC 110 where it is converted to a digital signal. A time gain control amplifier 112 coupled to the output of the ADC 110 may be configured to adjust the amplification relative to the total time required for a particular ultrasound line 115 to traverse the tissue layer 113. In this way, the ultrasonic reflection 117 generated from the relatively shallow object is large in size, so that the ultrasonic reflection 117 generated from the irradiated object further away from the transducer 102 is not overwhelmed. A response signal from a certain tissue 121 is gain-corrected.

  The output of the time gain control amplifier 112 can be beamformed, filtered and demodulated via a beamformer 114, a filter 116 and a signal processor 118. The processed response signal can then be transferred to the video processor 120. The video version of the response signal can then be transferred to the display 122. The response signal image can then be viewed. Those skilled in the art are further configured to generate an ultrasound imaging system 100 with one or more images and / or oscilloscope traces along with other tabulated and / or calculated information useful to the operator. You will appreciate that.

  FIG. 2 depicts a simplified magnetic thermotherapy system 200 that may be used with certain exemplary embodiments. The magnetic thermotherapy system 200 includes, but is not limited to, an amplifier required to achieve the frequency of the RF signal generated by the RF generator 204 and the specific electromagnetic field strength generated by the magnet / coil 208. A control unit 202 for controlling the gain of 206;

  In certain embodiments, the magnetic nanoparticles 210 may be embedded inside or attached to the outside of a microbubble (not shown) used as an ultrasound contrast agent. It is in such a way that the accumulation of magnetic particles 210 at a specific site with the targeting agent can be monitored by ultrasound. In another embodiment, real-time ultrasound data may be used to estimate temperature and heat drop levels in the tissue 121 of interest. The calculated heat drop can then be utilized to provide feedback to the magnetic thermotherapy control system to adjust various operating parameters. The operating parameters include, but are not limited to, the electromagnetic field strength, frequency, duration, and spatial distribution of the AC electromagnetic field. Optionally, in yet another embodiment, high intensity ultrasound is used to break up microbubbles in the contrast agent to release the embedded drug after a hyperthermia is achieved May be. This provides a combination of magnetic hyperthermia and drug delivery functions and therapeutic effects.

  As the magnetic nanoparticles 210 to be used in the present invention, any substance may be used as long as it absorbs electromagnetic energy to cause an exothermic reaction and is harmless to the human body. It is particularly advantageous to use one that causes an exothermic reaction by absorbing electromagnetic energy having a frequency that is difficult to be absorbed by the human body. Of course, ferromagnetic fine particles are preferably used because of their good electromagnetic wave absorption efficiency. For example, it may be exemplified by a ceramic such as magnetite, ferrite, or a ferromagnetic metal such as permalloy. Further, the above-described magnetic fine particles 210 desirably have a particle size of about 5 micrometers or less, more preferably about 1 micrometer or less.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram depicting the integration of an ultrasound measurement and imaging system 100 and a magnetic hyperthermia system 200, now represented by reference numeral 300, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. . In an exemplary embodiment, the control unit 302 controls the frequency of the RF signal generated by the RF generator 204 to achieve a particular magnetic field strength generated by the magnet / coil 208. The control unit 302 also controls the ultrasound system 100 that is connected to and provides data to the heat drop estimator 304. The heat drop estimator 304 provides feedback to the control unit 302, which in turn controls the field strength and frequency of the AC magnetic field based on the heat drop estimator 304. Although an exemplary embodiment is illustrated that treats the heat drop estimator 304 as a separate process or function from the control unit 302, the ultrasound system 100, and / or the magnetic thermotherapy system 200, where the functionality is integrated May be. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the controllers for each system 100, 200 and heat drop estimator may be integrated into a single controller, process and function.

  Continuing with FIGS. 1-3, in one exemplary embodiment, the transducer 102 of the ultrasound system 100 is preferably configured as an array to facilitate temperature determinations made during the magnetic thermotherapy process. . In an exemplary embodiment, backscattered radio frequency (RF) signals are collected from transducer 102. It has been shown that the time of flight of ultrasound varies with the temperature of the tissues 113, 121. In fact, changes in sound velocity and thermal expansion are linearly proportional to temperature changes (denoted by ΔT), and the proportionality constant is determined by the physical attributes of the tissues 113, 121. Thus, the measured time shift of the RF signal between a reference situation and the heating phase can then be used to monitor and control magnetic hyperthermia, as specified later.

  In another embodiment, the control unit 302 may be configured to adjust the spatial position of the magnetic coil to better align with the tissue of interest 121 based on ultrasound feedback. Since ultrasound imaging can provide real-time information about the location of the tissue of interest 121 that is in need of treatment, the AC magnet / coil 208 can be repositioned to directly target the specific tissue of interest 121. Can be moved. As a result, in selected cases, it may be possible to reduce the volume of tissue 113 that is subjected to an AC electromagnetic field. As a result, power requirements for hyperthermia system 200 and side effects on healthy tissue can be reduced or minimized.

  Control units 302, 202, system controller 108 and other processors, such as video processors, to perform defined functions and desired processing along with calculations (eg, ultrasound control, magnetic thermotherapy control, etc.) 120, signal processor 118, and the like, but are not limited to, processor, computer, memory, storage, register, timing, interrupt (interrupt (s)), communication interface, input / output signal interface, etc. and at least one of them Can include combinations. In addition, the control units 302, 202, the system controller 108 and other processors, such as the video processor 120, the signal processor 118, etc., can be used to generate ultrasound signals as required to facilitate heat drop estimation and the like. A signal interface may be included to allow accurate sampling, conversion, collection or generation. Additional features such as the control units 302, 202, the system controller 108 and other processors, such as the video processor 120, the signal processor 118, are discussed thoroughly here. Also, in the drawings, specific divisions of functionality are depicted for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments, but such divisions are for illustration only. Any functionality of the various controllers, processors, etc. described above can be easily split and / or distributed in any desired manner that facilitates the practice of the disclosed embodiments.

  Further, control unit 202, 302 and / or system controller 108 and other processor may be embodied in any computer readable medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus or device. It will be appreciated that software may be included that has an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. The instruction execution system, apparatus or device is capable of fetching instructions from an instruction execution system, apparatus or device, such as a computer-based system, a system including a processor or other system, and executing the instructions. .

  FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart illustrating the methodology of an exemplary embodiment, indicated generally as 400. In certain embodiments, the procedure is initiated with the administration of a mass (eg, intravenous or intraarterial) that includes a targeted contrast agent with embedded magnetic nanoparticles, as depicted in process block 402. . As depicted in process block 404, a reference ultrasound data set is (possibly and preferably continuously) acquired. The ultrasound data set can include, but is not limited to, a raw RF data set or signal processed A-line data or B-mode images. As depicted in process block 406, an AC magnetic field is applied with a selected initial parameter set, such as magnetic field strength and frequency, to initiate the thermotherapy process. Although it is desired that the initial parameter set initiates hyperthermia close to the desired heat drop, it is not essential. Indeed, advantageously, the disclosed embodiments specifically address the ambiguity of initial electromagnetic field strength and frequency selection. Starting with essentially arbitrarily low settings for the parameters, the closed loop nature of the disclosed system automatically compensates. The electromagnetic field is adjusted automatically when the temperature measurement data indicates that more / less drop is needed. This approach essentially eliminates the ambiguity inherent in existing hyperthermia applications for selecting the initial electromagnetic field strength and duration.

  Substantially in parallel with the magnetic field application in process block 406, ultrasound data is acquired as depicted in process block 408. The ultrasound data is used in conjunction with the reference data state (s) to facilitate the determination of the temperature distribution and thus the amount of heat dropped within the tissue, as depicted in process block 410. The drop level is then calculated for various points in the organization. If the drop is not sufficient, the magnetic field parameters are adjusted and the process continues until the required drop level is achieved, as depicted in decision block 412 and process block 414. Of course, if the drop is sufficient, the magnetic field is removed and the process ends.

  Optionally, in yet another exemplary embodiment, magnetic nanoparticles can be embedded in microbubbles used as ultrasound contrast agents. A higher intensity ultrasonic field may be applied to destroy the microbubbles, thereby releasing the therapeutic drug.

  Furthermore, although individual sensors and terminology are listed to describe exemplary embodiments, such sensors are described merely for purposes of illustration and not limitation. Numerous variations, alternatives, and equivalents will be apparent to those considering the disclosure herein.

  In summary, the disclosed invention advantageously allows and facilitates controlled magnetic hyperthermia, which in some embodiments includes ultrasonic temperature sensing and feedback. Further, the disclosed systems and methodologies can be specifically directed to cancer treatment or ultrasound monitoring therapy applications. For example, embodiments of the present invention may include targeted therapeutic drug delivery where the sensitivity of a particular site, particularly the targeted tissue / tumor, has been enhanced by hyperthermia application. The disclosed systems and methodologies provide significant benefits to operators, particularly physicians, who rely on “iterative” processes that are virtually uncontrolled for heat drop of magnetic hyperthermia. Indeed, the disclosed systems and methodologies provide measurement and control means that specifically address feedback control of the thermotherapy process. One additional advantage of the disclosed system and methodology was reduced, where magnetic hyperthermia can be performed based on a more precise thermotherapy drop, reducing the impact on adjacent untargeted tissue It means that it can lead to the amount dropped on the patient.

  The systems and methodologies described in numerous previous embodiments provide systems and methods for magnetic hyperthermia procedures, particularly devices for ultrasound-based monitoring of temperature rise distributions in affected tissues. . Furthermore, the disclosed invention may be embodied in the form of computer-implemented processes and devices for performing those processes. The present invention is embodied in the form of computer program code including instructions embodied in a catalyzed body 306 such as a floppy diskette, CD-ROM, hard drive or any other computer readable storage medium. The computer program code may be loaded into a computer and executed by the computer so that the computer becomes an apparatus for carrying out the present invention. The present invention also relates to computer program code, whether stored on a storage medium, loaded into a computer and / or executed by a computer, or transmitted over some transmission medium as a data signal 308. The transmission may or may not be as a modulated carrier wave, through the transmission medium, such as through electrical wiring or cable, through optical fiber, or via electromagnetic radiation. Yes, when the computer program code is loaded into a computer and executed by the computer, the computer may be an apparatus for carrying out the present invention. When implemented on a general-purpose microprocessor, the computer program code segment configures the microprocessor to create specific logic circuits.

  It is understood that the use of “first”, “second” or other similar terminology to describe similar items is not intended to specify any particular order unless otherwise indicated. It will be. Similarly, unless stated otherwise, the use of “an” or other similar terminology is intended to mean “one or more”.

  Although the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure is not limited to such exemplary embodiments and that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It will be understood that the elements may be substituted with equivalents. In addition, various modifications and / or variations may be made to the teachings of the invention to adapt to a particular situation or material without departing from the essential spirit or scope thereof. Therefore, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention, which is within the scope of the appended claims. It is intended to include any embodiment that falls into.

1 depicts an ultrasound imaging system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 illustrates a magnetic hyperthermia system that can be used with certain exemplary embodiments. FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting the integration of an ultrasound measurement and imaging system and a magnetic thermotherapy system, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram depicting a flowchart of a methodology that uses ultrasonic temperature measurement to control magnetic hyperthermia in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments.

Claims (27)

A method for controlling magnetic hyperthermia using ultrasonic thermometry:
Collecting a reference set of ultrasound data corresponding to the tissue of interest;
Adding a plurality of magnetic nanoparticles to the tissue of interest;
Applying an electromagnetic field based on a set of operating parameters to initiate hyperthermia;
Collecting another set of ultrasound data corresponding to the tissue of interest;
Determining a temperature change based on the reference set of ultrasound data and the another set of ultrasound data. If the drop amount corresponding to the step of applying an electromagnetic field is insufficient based on the temperature change, the set of operating parameters is adjusted, and another set is determined based on the adjusted set of operating parameters. Add an electromagnetic field,
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising terminating applying the electromagnetic field if not.   The method of claim 1, wherein the step of applying an electromagnetic field is performed at least one of being initiated by a user or automatically initiated based on the determination.   The method of claim 1, further comprising embedding the magnetic nanoparticles inside or on a plurality of microbubbles of ultrasound contrast agent.   The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of applying high intensity ultrasonic energy to destroy the microbubbles of the ultrasound contrast agent.   6. The method of claim 5, further comprising delivering a drug or drug through the microbubbles of the ultrasound contrast agent.   The method of claim 1, further comprising repositioning the means for generating the electromagnetic field to reduce the volume of tissue subjected to the step of applying the electromagnetic field.   The method of claim 7, wherein said step of repositioning and reducing said volume leads to a reduction in power that would otherwise have been required for said step of applying said electromagnetic field.   The method of claim 7, wherein correcting the position facilitates enhancing alignment with the tissue of interest. A system for magnetic hyperthermia control using ultrasonic thermometry:
A plurality of magnetic nanoparticles arranged in a tissue of substantial interest;
An ultrasound system configured to provide at least temperature measurement data corresponding to the tissue of interest;
A magnetic thermotherapy system configured to apply an electromagnetic field corresponding to a set of operating parameters to the tissue of interest;
Generate a command to the magnetic thermotherapy system to apply the electromagnetic field based on the at least temperature measurement data corresponding to the tissue of interest in communication with the ultrasound system and the magnetic thermotherapy system. And a controller configured as described above. The controller adjusts the set of operating parameters when the drop amount corresponding to the step of applying an electromagnetic field is insufficient based on the temperature change and adjusts the set of operating parameters to the adjusted set of operating parameters. Generating another command to the magnetic thermotherapy system to apply another electromagnetic field based on,
11. The system of claim 10, further comprising terminating applying the electromagnetic field otherwise.   The system of claim 10, wherein the step of applying an electromagnetic field is performed at least one of being initiated by a user or automatically initiated based on feedback from the ultrasound system.   The system of claim 10, wherein the magnetic nanoparticles are embedded inside or on a plurality of microbubbles of ultrasound contrast agent.   The system of claim 10, wherein the controller generates a command to the ultrasound system to apply high intensity ultrasound energy to break a microbubble of ultrasound contrast agent.   15. The system of claim 14, wherein the microbubbles of the ultrasound contrast agent are configured to deliver a drug or drug.   The system of claim 10, wherein the means for generating the electromagnetic field of the magnetic thermotherapy system is repositioned to reduce the volume of tissue subjected to the electromagnetic field.   The system of claim 16, wherein correcting the position to reduce the volume leads to a reduction in power that would otherwise have been required for the electromagnetic field.   The system of claim 16, wherein correcting the position facilitates enhancing alignment with the tissue of interest. A system for magnetic hyperthermia control using ultrasonic thermometry:
Means for collecting a reference set of ultrasound data corresponding to the tissue of interest;
Means for adding a plurality of magnetic nanoparticles to the tissue of interest;
Means for applying an electromagnetic field based on a set of operating parameters to initiate hyperthermia;
Means for collecting another set of ultrasound data corresponding to the tissue of interest;
A system comprising means for determining a temperature change based on the reference set of ultrasound data and the another set of ultrasound data. A storage medium encoded with machine-readable computer program code including instructions for causing a computer to implement a method of magnetic thermotherapy control using ultrasonic thermometry, the method comprising:
A method for controlling magnetic hyperthermia using ultrasonic thermometry:
Collecting a reference set of ultrasound data corresponding to the tissue of interest;
Adding a plurality of magnetic nanoparticles to the tissue of interest;
Applying an electromagnetic field based on a set of operating parameters to initiate hyperthermia;
Collecting another set of ultrasound data corresponding to the tissue of interest;
And determining a temperature change based on the reference set of ultrasound data and the another set of ultrasound data. A computer data signal having instructions for causing a computer to implement a method of magnetic hyperthermia control using ultrasonic temperature measurement, the method comprising:
A method for controlling magnetic hyperthermia using ultrasonic thermometry:
Collecting a reference set of ultrasound data corresponding to the tissue of interest;
Adding a plurality of magnetic nanoparticles to the tissue of interest;
Applying an electromagnetic field based on a set of operating parameters to initiate hyperthermia;
Collecting another set of ultrasound data corresponding to the tissue of interest;
A computer data signal comprising determining a temperature change based on the reference set of ultrasound data and the another set of ultrasound data. A method of magnetic hyperthermia using ultrasound imaging comprising:
Embedding a plurality of magnetic nanoparticles inside or on a plurality of microbubbles of contrast agent;
Adding the plurality of magnetic nanoparticles to a tissue of interest;
Collecting ultrasound data corresponding to the tissue of interest;
Applying an electromagnetic field and initiating hyperthermia.   23. The method of claim 22, wherein the ultrasound data is used to generate an image showing the concentration of the plurality of magnetic nanoparticles in the structure of interest.   23. The method of claim 22, further comprising delivering a drug or drug through the plurality of microbubbles of the contrast agent by applying high intensity ultrasound energy to destroy the plurality of microbubbles. A system for magnetic hyperthermia using ultrasound imaging comprising:
A plurality of magnetic nanoparticles embedded inside or on a plurality of microbubbles of contrast agent;
An ultrasound imaging system configured to provide imaging data corresponding to the tissue of interest;
A system comprising a magnetic thermotherapy system configured to apply an electromagnetic field to the tissue of interest.   26. The system of claim 25, wherein the imaging data is used to ascertain the presence of the plurality of magnetic nanoparticles substantially disposed in the tissue of interest.   26. The system of claim 25, further comprising a drug or drug delivered through the microbubbles of the contrast agent by applying high intensity ultrasonic energy to destroy the microbubbles.

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